Andrea Martin Ignores The Word ‘Aging’

Photographed by Danielle Kosann

Watching Andrea Martin act always reminds us of the timeless female comedians we grew up loving (that and her line from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, “Ok, I make lamb,” in response to hearing Ian is a vegetarian). That’s why it should have come as no surprise that, when we interviewed the actress, she told us she draws inspiration from Lucille Ball, Gwen Verdon, and Gilda Radner (some of our favorite icons, as well). We sat down with Martin to chat about her role on Tina Fey’s new show – Great News – what she thinks is always funny, and her thoughts on the word ‘aging.’ Turns out her tricks all come down to the basics: Eat and exercise moderately, laugh regularly, and be of service, continually…

From start to finish, what would be your ideal food day?

If someone else is cooking, breakfast would oatmeal with berries and almonds, half and half and honey. Lunch would be grilled chicken over a green salad with feta cheese, almonds, blueberries and honey vinaigrette. For dinner, I’d have grilled salmon, brown rice, snow peas. If I’m cooking, breakfast is a Starbucks muffin, lunch is a Levain cookie, and dinner is Lean Cuisine.

What is the best advice you have ever received? What’s the worst?

Best advice was, “It’s a business, take NOTHING personally.” The worst advice was, “You can eat anything you want, as long as you exercise.”

What was it like hearing Tina Fey wanted to marry you after reading your book? What’s it been like collaborating with her on her show?

I couldn’t wait to accept her proposal. She is a delight from start to finish. Humility, humor and hard work.

Any advice you’ve given her? Any advice she’s given you?

Let the camera shoot you from the side. You look beautiful.
Let the camera shoot you from the side. You look beautiful.

Who are female comedians you looked up to, when you were growing up?

Lucille Ball, Imogene Coca, Gwen Verdon, Gilda Radner.

Did you always know you wanted to be an actress? Had you ever wanted to be anything else?

I knew that I “acted up” when I was three years old. I went to acting classes when I was nine years old. I joined children’s theatre when I was eleven, summer stock when I was thirteen, majored in Theatre in college, got my first professional role when I was twenty-one. So, yes, I always knew I was an actress and never wanted to do anything else.

What’s the difference with how you approach the screen and how you approach theater?

There is not much difference. In both mediums, I try to be truthful, in the moment, spontaneous. I just speak softer when I’m on the screen.

A French baguette, brie cheese and a bottle of red wine. I’d probably be alone, on top of a beautiful mountain I just hiked. Maybe in Switzerland.

What is the key to aging gracefully?

Not thinking about the word, “aging.”

What do you think of health trends and crazes? Are there any that you follow?

I have followed many in my life, but I always come back to the basics: Eat and exercise moderately. Laugh regularly. Be of service, continually.

Do you like social media? What is your personal definition of good content?

I have a Twitter account someone else set up for me. I never check it. My personal definition of good content is staying off my phone and living life face to face, looking someone in the eyes, as I listen and respond.

Who would you like to do a scene with, that you haven’t gotten to yet?

Ryan Gosling, Judi Dench, Emma Stone, James Franco, Julianne Moore.

If you could host a dinner party, with any five people living or dead, who would you have over? What would you make?

I would be with my two sons, my granddaughter, my daughter-in-law and my sister. We would all cook together. I’d let them choose the menu.

If you could give us a quote of the day that sums up your mood and mode, what would it be?

Loved this article! Great interview questions and Andrea Martin is a true classic actress. Love how unassuming she is. Keeping it so real keeps her comedy real and fresh. I would love to do a show with her.

I like her personality I like her thoughts she’s a lift in this world I’m 78 years old and I feel the same thing as she does laugh is the best medicine ever I wish her lots of luck in her life she’s a great lady